Why is workplace safety so important?

Keeping workers safe is arguably the employer’s most important job and OSHA law requires “employers to provide their employees with working conditions that are free of known dangers.” If you are running an unsafe operation, consequences can be serious, even deadly.

Not only is it the law to keep your workers safe, but it is your moral responsibility. Those working in your facility or at your worksite have families, friends, and lives outside of being employed and their safety and health should not be comprised for a paycheck. It is critical to keep safety as your top priority and ensure your workers are returning home safely every day.

Workplace safety encompasses many things: emergency procedures, chemical safety, first aid, equipment safety, fire safety, electrical safety, and much more. For any employer, it is important to assess the hazards of your workplace and act accordingly. Each workplace is different, so it will be important to tailor your safety efforts to fit the needs of your facility. Having an effective workplace safety strategy includes providing personal protective equipment, implementing safeguards, using administrative controls, and offering training. When workers are aware of present dangers and understand safety procedures, you will have a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce.

A common saying is a safe workplace is an efficient workplace! Keeping workers safe will improve employee morale and when employees are happy in their job, the more productive they will be. A hazardous workplace can cause unnecessary stress to workers affecting their morale and ultimately production. Employees operate much more efficiently when they know they can complete their job or task without their health being comprised. An effective safety program also works to reduce the number of injuries and illnesses, reducing the unexpected downtime of workers needing to take time off.

Occupational safety is important for so many reasons. Employees should not be compromising their health and bodily safety to complete a job. Instead, employers have both the legal and moral obligation to provide a workplace that is free from known dangers. Employers need to develop a safety strategy fit for their facility, like holding training sessions or providing PPE at no cost. Not only will you find your employees’ morale is boosted but your production has improved as well.